14/03/2017
Exploring Britain by Motorbike: Stena Line's Affordable Day Trips
For motorcycle enthusiasts looking to experience the open road and breathtaking scenery of Britain, Stena Line offers a remarkably affordable and convenient way to embark on a day trip or a short break. With routes connecting Ireland to key ports in Wales, the ferry company has a special offer that makes exploring Britain on two wheels more accessible than ever. This article delves into the costs associated with these motorbike trips, the booking process, and provides a glimpse into the incredible routes you can discover.
The Headline Offer: Motorbike & Driver from Just €88 Return
The star of the show is Stena Line's fantastic offer for a motorbike and driver return journey. Starting from an incredible €88, this deal allows you to transport your motorcycle and yourself across the Irish Sea for a memorable adventure. The primary routes covered by this offer are:
- Dublin to Holyhead
- Rosslare to Fishguard
This price is valid for travel between 15 April and 1 October 2024. The key condition for securing this rate is that your return sailing must be within 48 hours of your arrival time in the UK. This flexibility is perfect for a spontaneous day trip or a quick overnight exploration.
Understanding the Costs: Beyond the Base Fare
While the €88 fare is a significant draw, it's important to understand what it includes and what additional costs might arise. The €88 covers the return journey for one motorcycle and one driver on either the Dublin-Holyhead or Rosslare-Fishguard routes, provided the 48-hour return rule is met.
Additional Passengers: If you're travelling with a pillion passenger, there's an additional cost. For both the Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Fishguard routes, an additional passenger fare of €84 applies. This means a motorbike with two people would cost €88 (bike + driver) + €84 (additional passenger) = €172 return, assuming the 48-hour return window is adhered to.
Table: Stena Line Motorbike Trip Pricing Summary (Example)
| Route | Vehicle | Driver | Additional Passenger | Total (Bike + Driver) | Total (Bike + 2 People) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin - Holyhead | Motorcycle | Included (€88 return) | €84 (one way) | €88 return | €172 return |
| Rosslare - Fishguard | Motorcycle | Included (€88 return) | €84 (one way) | €88 return | €172 return |
Note: All prices are approximate and subject to availability. The €88 rate requires the return journey to be within 48 hours of arrival. Additional passenger fare is typically per person, one way, but for return trip costing, consider it for the full journey. Always check Stena Line's official website for the most up-to-date pricing and terms.
How to Book Your Motorbike Adventure
Booking your Stena Line motorbike trip is a straightforward process designed to ensure you get the best deal. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Stena Line Website: Go to the official Stena Line booking portal.
- Enter Your Trip Details: Input your desired outward route (e.g., Dublin to Holyhead) and your sailing dates.
- Search for Trips: Click on the 'Search trip' button.
- Specify Passengers and Vehicle: On the next page, enter the number of passengers and crucially, select 'Motorcycle' as the vehicle type.
- Apply the Offer Code: This is a vital step for the €88 deal. Locate the 'Offer code' box and enter BIKERDAY24. Ensure it's entered correctly.
- Continue Booking: Click 'Continue'.
- Verify Routes and Times: Double-check that the outward and return routes displayed are correct. You can amend these by clicking the 'Edit' button if necessary.
- Select ECONOMY Sailings: To take advantage of the best fares, choose the 'ECONOMY' sailings. Remember to keep the 48-hour return rule in mind when selecting your return time.
- Complete the Booking: Click 'Continue' again and proceed through the remaining steps to finalize your payment and booking.
It's essential to be diligent with the offer code and the 48-hour return window, as these are the key criteria for the advertised price.
Suggested Itinerary: Unleash Your Inner Rider
Stena Line's strategic port locations in Holyhead and Fishguard place you at the doorstep of some of Britain's most spectacular motorcycling routes. Here's a taste of what awaits:
Anglesey & Snowdonia Explorer (from Holyhead)
Route: Holyhead to Barmouth via Snowdonia National Park and back to Holyhead. Approximate Drive Time: 4.75 hours Distance: 192 miles
This itinerary is designed for a full day's ride, showcasing the diverse beauty of North Wales. Start your engine on the scenic isle of Anglesey, perhaps enjoying a brief loop before heading south. Hug the west coast, taking in the stunning vistas as you make your way towards Barmouth on Cardigan Bay. The journey then takes a dramatic turn as you cut a path through the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Prepare for exhilarating bends along lakeside roads, all set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Snowdon. As you emerge from the park, you'll find yourself on the northern coast of Wales. A tour along the Welsh shoreline, perhaps visiting Llandudno, will lead you back to Holyhead, completing a truly unforgettable ride.
Pembrokeshire Coastal Charm (from Fishguard)
While the provided text focuses on the Snowdonia route from Holyhead, the Fishguard to Rosslare route opens up opportunities to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This area is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns. You could plan a route that takes you along the stunning coastal roads, perhaps visiting places like St Davids, Britain's smallest city, or the picturesque harbour of Tenby. The winding lanes and incredible sea views make for a perfect motorcycling experience.
Considering a Stena Plus Lounge Upgrade
For those who wish to enhance their ferry crossing experience, Stena Line offers the Stena Plus Lounge. While the motorbike day trip is about the ride, if you're extending your stay or simply want a more comfortable journey, an upgrade is available.
Cost: The Stena Plus Lounge can be accessed for an additional fee, typically starting from £20 per person.
Benefits: Upgrading grants you access to a dedicated lounge area with complimentary drinks and snacks, newspapers and magazines, comfortable seating, and a personal waiter service. It's an ideal way to relax and recharge before or after your ride, especially if your trip involves more than just a few hours at sea.
Savings on Longer Stays: It's worth noting that Stena Line also offers savings of up to 25% on selected dates and sailings for longer stays (up to 28 hours), with car + driver fares starting from £177 return on routes including Holyhead-Dublin and Fishguard-Rosslare. While this is geared towards car travel, it highlights Stena Line's commitment to providing value across its network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the exact validity period for the €88 motorbike offer?
A1: The offer is valid for travel from 15 April to 1 October 2024. The return journey must be within 48 hours of your arrival time in the UK port.
Q2: Can I take a passenger on the €88 motorbike deal?
A2: The €88 fare is for the motorcycle and one driver only. Additional passengers are charged separately, typically around €84 return per person for the Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Fishguard routes.
Q3: What if my return journey is more than 48 hours after arrival?
A3: If your return sailing is more than 48 hours after your arrival, the €88 rate will not apply, and you will be charged standard fares, which will be higher.
Q4: Are there any other routes available for motorbike travel?
A4: The specific €88 offer is for Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Fishguard. Stena Line operates other routes, but availability and pricing for motorcycles on those routes would need to be checked directly on their website.
Q5: Do I need to book in advance?
A5: While not explicitly stated as mandatory for the €88 fare, it is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred sailing times and ensure availability, as the offer is subject to availability.
Conclusion
Stena Line's motorbike day trip offer is an exceptional opportunity for riders to explore the stunning landscapes of Wales without breaking the bank. With fares starting at a compelling €88 for a bike and driver return, coupled with well-planned routes through areas like Snowdonia and the Pembrokeshire coast, this is an adventure not to be missed. Remember to book strategically, apply the BIKERDAY24 code, and adhere to the 48-hour return rule to make the most of this fantastic deal. Whether you're seeking thrilling bends, picturesque views, or simply a change of scenery, Stena Line provides the perfect gateway.
If you want to read more articles similar to Stena Line Motorbike Day Trips: Costs & Details, you can visit the Automotive category.